Find Your Next Running Race in South Africa
Choose your next South African running race by surface, distance and your level, with honest qualifier, licence and cut-off notes for road and trail events.
Browse South African marathons, trail runs and ultras
There is a South African race for every kind of runner, from a free weekly parkrun to the 90km Comrades. Filter the calendar by surface, distance, province and time of year, then match each race to your level so you know whether it is in reach or a goal to build towards. We focus on the detail most race lists skip, whether you need a qualifier or a licence and how tight the cut-off is, so you can choose with confidence.
1. Narrow it down
Filter the South African running calendar by what suits you. Leave anything on "Any" to keep your options open.
2. Match it to your level
Optional, and nothing is saved. Tell us the furthest you have run comfortably and we will flag whether each race is in reach or a goal to build towards.
This is a friendly guide, not a verdict. Anyone can build up to a bigger race with time on their feet.
Dates move every year, so each race shows the month it usually runs in. Qualifying standards and cut-off times also change year to year, so always confirm the exact date, distances, qualifier and entry on the official site before you plan travel or accommodation. Last reviewed June 2026.
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How to plan your South African running season
South Africa has one of the richest amateur running calendars anywhere, from a free weekly parkrun to the legendary Comrades Marathon. The hard part is not finding a race, it is choosing the right one for where you are. A good first event is one where the distance is realistic for your training and the cut-off is friendly, so you finish with a smile rather than being swept off the route. From there you can build towards bigger goals season by season.
The planner above groups every major recurring event by surface, road or trail, and by distance, from a 5km parkrun up to a 100 mile ultra. Each race carries an honest note on whether you need a qualifier or a licence and how tight the cut-off is, the detail that matters most and that generic race lists leave out. Set your level and we will flag whether a race is in reach for you now, a stretch goal, or one to build up to over time. Nothing is saved, and the guide is just that, a friendly steer, because anyone can grow into a bigger race with time on their feet.
Dates shift every year, so we anchor each race on the month it usually runs in and link you to the official site to confirm the exact date, qualifier and entry. While you are planning your big goal, you can also work out a target pace and medal with our Comrades pace calculator, or browse all our free South African tools and calculators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest running race in South Africa?
The Comrades Marathon is the most famous, an ultramarathon of about 90km run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every June, with the direction alternating each year. The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, a 56km ultra in April, is the other great mass ultra. For sheer numbers, the free weekly parkrun draws the most runners of all across the country.
Which running race is best for a beginner?
Start with parkrun, a free, timed 5km held every Saturday with no cut-off and no pressure. From there a 10km or a half marathon at a big-city event like the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a natural next step. On the trails, the shorter 16km and 23km routes at Ultra-trail Cape Town are a friendly first taste of mountain trail racing.
Do I need a qualifier to enter Comrades or Two Oceans?
Yes for the ultras. Comrades requires a qualifying marathon under 5 hours, run inside the official qualifying window, and the Two Oceans 56km needs a qualifying marathon too. The Two Oceans half and the standard marathons are open entry. Qualifying standards and windows change year to year, so always confirm the current rules on the official site before you plan your season.
Do I need a running licence to enter a road race in South Africa?
For most road races run under Athletics South Africa you need either an annual club running licence or a temporary day licence, which is usually sold together with your entry. Trail races often do not require one. The licence helps with timing, seeding and insurance on the day, so it is worth joining a club if you race often.
What does a race cut-off time mean?
Most races have a final cut-off and often cut-offs at points along the route, with a sweep vehicle that collects anyone behind them. Comrades has a strict 12 hour limit and the Two Oceans ultra has 7 hours. Friendly road marathons usually give you about 6 hours. Knowing the cut-off before you enter helps you judge whether a race is realistic for your current fitness.
How do I choose which running race to enter?
Start with what you enjoy and where you are, then be honest about your fitness. Use the filters above to narrow by surface, distance, month and province, then set your level to see which races are in reach now and which are worth building towards. Pick one as a goal, give yourself enough weeks to train, sort out any qualifier or licence, and enter on the organiser's site.
Race months and details were checked against the official organiser sites in June 2026. Dates, distances, qualifying standards and entries change every year, so always confirm on the official site before you plan. This page is general information to help you choose, not entry advice.